A Charlevoix County jury convicted Laurence Joseph Frechette III, 58, Boyne City, of aggravated domestic violence following a two-day jury trial in the 33rd Circuit Court.

Frechette had been convicted of domestic violence previously so the conviction carries with it a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Witnesses testified that on November 7, 2020, Frechette assaulted a woman by pushing her into a wall, causing her to suffer a hematoma, abrasions and bleeding. Boyne City police were called and responded to the scene and arrested Frechette who had a blood alcohol level of .158%.

The case was prosecuted by Charlevoix County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kerry Zahner.

“Justice was done in this case based upon solid police work by the Boyne City Police Department, Officer John McLeod in particular, and great prosecution by CAPA Zahner,” Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney Allen Telgenhof said.

“We are very fortunate in Charlevoix County to have officers and prosecutors with training and experience in these types of cases. Kerry has specialized in these prosecutions for years and her expertise in leading investigations and prosecution is invaluable.”

Witnesses testified not only to the incident in November but an ongoing pattern of abuse which spanned many years.

Frechette, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the Charlevoix County Jail after the guilty verdict. He will be sentenced by Judge Roy C. Hayes III on March 4, 2022.